Chin surgery quickly becoming the new vanity procedure of choice

Chin augmentation is the fastest growing plastic surgery trend among all major demographics, according to new statistics released on Monday.

Photograph by: Handout
, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Chin augmentation is the fastest growing plastic surgery trend among all major demographics, according to new statistics released on Monday.

The United States-based statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons show the popularity of chin augmentation procedures grew by 71 per cent to 20,680 procedures in 2011 — more than the combined growth of breast augmentation, Botox and liposuction.

The popularity of the procedure skyrocketed in both men and women in the U.S., with the largest increase in patients over the age of 40, a segment of the population that recorded a 77 per cent spike in those who underwent the surgery.

Dr. Julie Khanna, a plastic surgeon for the Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery near Toronto, said that she has noticed the popularity of chin augmentation procedures increasing in Canada as well.

"Chin augmentation is a growing trend, there's no question of that," Khanna said.

The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging, ASPS president Malcolm Z. Roth said in a statement.

"People are considering chin augmentation as a way to restore their youthful look just like a facelift or eyelid surgery," Roth said.

Dr. Darrick Antell, American Society of Plastic Surgeons spokesman and assistant clinical professor of surgery at Columbia University, added that new technologies may be behind the chin-surgery boom.

"People are seeing their profile much more than they used to in photos and video because of technology in today's society," he said.

"This can lead them to notice they don't have the transition or definition between their chin and their neck and a chin implant is a great way to enhance that."

Antell said chin implants are the most common way of augmenting one's chin. During the 30- to 45-minute "rapid recovery operation," an artificial implant is placed over the chin bone through an incision, most commonly under the chin.

Antell added that it only takes about three days of recovery before the patient can go back to work.

Lizette Stephens, 39, had her chin augmented by Antell last October. As a manager at a major software company in New York, Stephens is constantly meeting face-to-face with clients from around the globe.

"I do a lot of Skyping and video conference calls, and I noticed my double chin was very pronounced. It bothered me," Stephens said.

After friends began to comment about her chin's appearance on Facebook photos, Stephens decided something needed to be done.

"I decided to get a chin implant so I would have a better defined profile," she said.

Antell said that chins can play a major role in how we perceive others.

"People subconsciously associate a strong chin with authority, honesty and confidence. A chin implant is a procedure that can help people attain this (perception) when they don't naturally have a well-defined jawline."

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.